Weekend Meme
Posted on September 20, 2008 - Filed Under Just For Fun, Life, joy of creating, meme
Well it’s the weekend, so it must be meme time again, eh?
This one is from Alex over at Someday Syndrome. Thanks, Alex.
I am: just me.
I think: too much, too often
I know: I can survive anything
I have: too many ideas and too little time
I wish: people were kinder to each other
I hate: as little as possible, it serves no purpose and resolves nothing
I miss: having my own little house, the room mate thing is getting old
I fear: I won’t have enough time to do everything I want to do.
I hear: what people think
I smell: everything, which can be a little distracting.
I crave: chocolate sometimes but I’m not a craver at heart, if I want something then I usually just go get it.
I search: for the truth, not just mine, but the truth in all things
I wonder: why life can’t be more simple.
I regret: nothing. what is done is done, you cannot call it back. there is no point in regretting.
I love: the ocean, the blue of it, the sky above it, the vast space of it.
I ache: when I exercise too much or don’t get enough sleep
I am not: trying to be anyone but myself. What you see is what you get.
I believe: all people are basically good, despite evidence to the contrary
I dance: when I am joyous
I sing: all the time, especially old jazz standards and blues
I cry: when I’m happy and when I am sad, my emotions are volatile and at the surface.
I fight: when I have to, I don’t like to fight but I’m not afraid either.
I win: when I remain true to myself, regardless of the circumstances.
I lose: when I give in to things I know aren’t true or me.
I never: want to stop writing.
I always: believe change is possible.
I confuse: people sometimes.
I listen: with all of my senses.
I can usually be found: at a computer keyboard.
I am scared: of very little.
I need: space, a garden, writing implements, friends and purpose in what I am doing.
I am happy about: sunshine, flowers, laughter, song, art.
I imagine: a world in which there is no war, crime and insanity but peaceful co-existence where everyone strives to improve the state and condition of the world and nothing more.
I tag: no one, do the meme if you’ve a mind to. It’s an interesting exercise actually.
Hey Buddy, Have You Got the Time?
Posted on September 17, 2008 - Filed Under Just For Fun, brain farts, imagination, joy of creating
One of my chums sent me these amazing pics - little models made out of old watch parts:
Sorry for the shitty, cop-out posts guys, but I’m still wiped from my weekend project. Hopefully it gets better later in the week.
Hi Honey, I’m Home
Posted on August 26, 2008 - Filed Under Dear Readers..., Just For Fun, adventure, friends, joy of creating
Hey Kids!
Yup, I’m back. And what an adventure I’ve had, which I will definitely tell you all about once I’ve had a chance to catch up and catch my breath. And handle a few comments…jeez, there’s a lot of them. Wow, thank you!
And thanks to Moe for keeping an eye on the place - things look just great honey, no dried food on the walls or anything. And look you left me a fresh pot of coffee and a nice chocolate cake too. Thanks, sweetie pie.
In the meantime, here are a few pics of my trip. Nice, eh? Nope, you will see none with me in them because, well, I was taking the pictures. Hehe.
Good to be back.
10 Reasons Why it’s Good to Take a Week Off Blogging
Posted on August 5, 2008 - Filed Under Blogging, Life, joy of creating, life metaphor, my opinions
Hey everybody, I’m back and thanks to all the fabulous guest posters who gave me the time off I needed last week. You’re all wonderful bloggers and good friends and I appreciate it more than you know.
So, the week was good for me and I’ve realized that every now and again it’s good to take some time off from the routine and here are a few reasons why:
1. Eventually you run out of recipes and need some time to find some new ones.
2. Your hands are not really intended to take on the shape of crawling crabs and it is much easier to smoke when you can extend your fingers.
3. You occasionally need a day when the thoughts, “I am so blogging this,” “what the hell am I’m going to post today?”, “Why doesn’t YouTube have decent vids anymore?”, and similar thoughts aren’t dancing around your brain.
4. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and your eyes can indeed adjust to natural light again if you just give it a a day or so.
5. Reading an actual book doesn’t make your eyes hurt and can easily be taken to a park, a chair, the backyard or the beach without missing a thing.
6. A day without email can be filled with adventure and new discoveries instead of viagra ads and old jokes and get rich quick schemes.
7. Life has a beautiful rhythym of its own and everything does not have to go at lightning speed and sometimes it’s better when it doesn’t.
8. Barbecues in the backyard, stars in the sky, nightblooming jasmine, hummingbirds at the feeders.
9. New ideas come unexpectedly and allow your mind to grow.
10. Sleeping is a good thing.
Granted, not one of my usual funny lists - though that was my original thought. But the mind goes where it wants to sometimes.
Theme Fridays - Park Bench
Posted on June 27, 2008 - Filed Under Writers, joy of creating, theme fridays, writing
In my travels as a blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of encountering some great women writers and have thought it would be fun to do a sort of Writer’s Circle (cooperative project ) with them. Recently, during a casual conversation I mentioned this to Jess and Christine and in no time flat, Theme Fridays was born. The idea is simple - pick a theme and each write a piece based around that theme. We hope to make it a regular feature and add other women writers to the circle as time goes on - in fact, any women writers out there who might be interested, please shoot me an email. We hope you enjoy this new adventure into literary fun. Visit Jess’s park bench and visit Christine’s park bench . Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some cotton candy, hot dogs and ice cream while you’re at the park. 
She sits upon me and waits. Looking up as they pass by and wondering who will stop. Will anyone stop? Does anyone see the lost in her eyes, the shine in her heart, the arms that reach out for the life that passes her by?
I whisper but she does not hear my consolations, commiserations, salutations. I tell her the stories that have come before, so she will know she is not alone in her yearnings - not a solitary soul but one of many.
“I’m not special,” she writes again and again in her journal. The ink soaks the page, deep and black.
“Yes, you are!” I hover over her shoulder, whispering loudly.
“No one will ever see me,” the pen assaults the tender pages and the tears smear the words.
“I see you,” I long to sprout arms that can embrace.
“What’s the use?” The journal and pen fly from her grasp and land at my feet. She stands up and the chill splinters me.
“Come back,” I call to her but she drifts away, into the crowd - a blur of black and white, folding into the other invisibles in the noon day sun.
He bends down and retrieves the journal and pen, then sits upon me. He reads her words and looks about. He takes the pen and writes, “I’m not special…”
A Christmas moment
Posted on December 18, 2007 - Filed Under Christmas, joy of creating, reflections
Take a few minutes and click here - it’s the pause that refreshes.
WC
Christmas on the Cheap
Posted on December 14, 2007 - Filed Under Christmas, adventure, imagination, joy of creating
I sort of stole this idea from my buddy Teeni, who was pondering how to enjoy Christmas when you haven’t much money or have to watch your budget. So, I thought I would just give you a list of my tips and tricks, since I am notorious for being the bargain queen (well, I am, really.)
Places to shop:
Not all of us can zip through the mall, weilding credit cards and checkbooks with wild abandon. In fact, chances are you’ll pay more for anything in a mall than you would if you looked a little further. I only go to the mall to get ideas (if at all) then I check online to see if I can find it for a better price. For electronics/computer stuff try Tigerdirect.com - they have great prices on many things and their delivery is pretty quick. Overstock.com is an Amazon competitor and frankly, they tend to have better prices, much cheaper shipping costs and quicker delivery. They don’t have the enormous selection of Amazon, but they’ve got some groovy stuff. If you’re in the market for computers try, electrorent.com - I got a laptop for under $300 and it came with a free case and only $15 delivery fee. Again, quick delivery. The computers are used/refurbished but are in great shape and come with a 30 day return policy so if it’s messed up they will replace.
Thrift shops, used bookstores, garage sales - being the treasure hunter, bargain queen that I am, I love these places. I’ve found amazing things in these places. A set of crystal wine glasses for about 4 bucks, a rare book (that was being bid for on Ebay for $30-$40) for a mere $3, tons of movies and cds, designer bags (the best one, a Prada bag for 10 bucks), antique vases and silver serving pieces, antique Christmas ornaments, etc.
The Dollar Store - everyone has some semblance of this in their neighborhood (I think) and once you get past the stigma of being in a cheapo place you can find some amazing things. All manner of great candles and candle holders, gag gifts, wrapping and ribbons, craft items, photo frames, art supplies, small toys, winter scarves, puzzle books, school supplies, garden supplies, baskets, baby stuff (I once put a package together for a friend’s new baby - from bibs to blankets and picture frames and it came to about $10, including the gift bag).
Big Lots - again, get over the stigma of shopping in the discount universe and check it out. They often have great Christmas cards for bargain prices, decorations, coffees, cosmetics, watches, sundries, etc. Occasionally, you can even find good music or movies there. It’s worth checking out anyway.
Decorating:
We all love the beautiful trees and decorations we see in the magazines and department stores and maybe even fantacize about having such things but they can cost a fortune if you’re not careful. Here are some free or almost free ideas:
1. Pine cones and spray paint - if you live in an area where there are pine trees, then you can find tons of cones usually just lying around on the ground. Gather some up and spray paint silver and gold - put them in baskets on your coffee table or dining table - or attach fishing line to them and hang them on the tree. Same for pine branches/boughs - why go to Home Depot and pay a fortune for these things when a walk through the woods will yield all you want for free.
2. Unusual Christmas Tree - I’ve had a few Christmases where I couldn’t afford any kind of tree. And let’s face it, they are expensive. Again, if you live in an area where there are lots of trees or woods, take a walk and look for a fallen branch or bough and take it home. Spray paint it silver or gold, stick it in a tree holder and hang ornaments on it. I know it sounds a little odd but it does make a beautiful and unusual tree. Or if you want something traditional, check the local thrift shop for an artificial tree - Roomie & I found a 7.5 footer for $25 this year and it looks great. Plus, he’ll never have to buy a real tree again if he doesn’t want to. Decorate a large potted plant like a Christmas tree, you’d be amazed at how beautiful it is and after the holidays it goes back to being a regular plant.
3. Spray paint - if you have a couple of cans of silver and gold spray paint you can Christmas up just about anything - bowls, baskets, vases - add a little sparkle and you’re there.
4. Old toys and CDs can be hung on trees as ornaments - spray paint them or put some spray glue on them and sprinkle them with sparkles - if you’re good at crafts, make some from wheat paste and craft paint.
5. Make a Christmas card tree - we all get some and it’s easy to fashion a tree or decorate a wall or mantle with them - they are festive and sweet because they came with love. Why not use them as part of your theme.
6. Put a red tablecloth on a dining table or coffee table, top it with the basket of pine cones - instant Christmas.
Activities:
1. Christmas movie marathon - all of us have at least a few Christmas movies or if not, tape some that play on television. Dedicate one night to watching Christmas movies till your eyeballs bleed. Add some popcorn and hot cider, with a blazing fire and you’ll get a serious case of the warm fuzzies.
2. Help out at a local charity or church. Giving this time of year especially, will fill you with the Christmas spirit. It’s what it’s all about, right? Almost any church has some sort of meal they host or if you haven’t the time, donate any leftovers from your Christmas party to the church. Help with a food drive. Or heck, just put 5 bucks in that envelope for St. Jude’s or your local animal shelter.
3. A Christmas light walking tour - bundle up everybody one evening and take a tour of the neighborhood to see all the lights and decorations people have put up. There is something wonderful about walking in the cold air and seeing pretty lights and decorations that is invigorating and makes you smile.
4. Christmas Scrabble - Pictionary, Charades, etc - take your favorite board game and play it with Christmas theme - only seasonal words or ideas or movies or characters.
5. Decorate your tree by candlelight with Christmas music playing - it’s warming, a little romantic and sometimes hilarious.
6. Baking parties. Have it with friends or family or both. Baking supplies are pretty inexpensive and there isn’t anyone who doesn’t like getting sweets for the holidays. Wrap them up in clear gift bags (at the dollar store you can get fifty for a buck) and tie with bows and give to the postman, your favorite mechanic, hairdresser, neighbors, co-workers, etc.
7. Write a Christmas story. I try to do this each year. I don’t know why, but it always makes me feel good, even if the story turns out to be silly. If you have kids, have them help you with the story. Then read the story the next year and add to it.
8. Snow ball fight. If you live in an area where there is snow - have a snow ball fight until there is one man/woman standing - then go inside for hot chocolate and a Christmas dvd or tape.
9. Midnight mass - I was raised as a Catholic and one tradition I always loved was Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Even in the smallest church it is usually magnificent and fills you with the wonder of the reason for the season. I imagine other churches have similar services. Get dressed up (take a nap before hand if you need to) and go honor he whose birthday it is.
10. Christmas scavenger hunt - create a scavenger hunt for the kids to find their presents on Christmas morning - rather than jamming it all under the tree and having them open one present after another until their eyes glaze over - leave clues and have them search them out. It’s gets everyone moving and it’s so much fun having to find your presents than having them stuffed in your hands one after the other.
But mostly, just enjoy the day/time. For whatever reason, people seem more open and friendly this time of year. We feel freer to express our feelings and our love for our fellow man. Revel in it. Soon enough, you’ll be back to the day to day grind. Let yourself enjoy whatever it is you have and not worry about what you don’t have. Love is the best gift of all and if you give and recieve love, what better gift could you get?
WC
Be Happy
Posted on November 28, 2007 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, joy of creating
I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy.
Anne Frank
Happy Halloweenie
Posted on October 30, 2007 - Filed Under Just For Fun, amazing, autumn, joy of creating
Some amazing pumpkins, courtesy of people who have a lot of talent and a lot of time on their hands. WC
Have a great, safe free candy night and don’t take any wooden apples.
Hot on the Trail
Posted on October 10, 2007 - Filed Under Blogging, Writers, joy of creating, writing, writing life
Hey Guys,
Just a quick little update for y’all. I know that I have been woefully remiss in my duty as a blogger in the reading and commenting department. Please forgive me. I try to get by but the time issue is rough right now.
Especially since I’ve started a new book and I’m hot on it - like stink on you know what. And it’s really hard to kick the muse out of your head when she is being so kind and helpful and giving you so many things to write down that you’re afraid you simply won’t get it all before she takes off for another 3 month vacation.
So, if you don’t see me visiting much, that’s why. I do lurk and read as much as I can but I know it’s not enough. I’d totally understand if you were annoyed with me too. Really I would. I will try to be better and get by more. I think of all of you, daily, believe it or not and I love that you’re out there - and love so much that you come by and leave a word or two. I promise, I’ll make it up to you.
Much love,
Annie aka WC
